“Running a successful business is different from being a good finance broker, and as an industry body, we want to help members prosper,” he said.

The ‘5 PR tips to promote your brokerage for free in 2014’ urged brokers to approach their local newspaper, radio or TV station with an offer to comment on relevant issues, and to look for a local angle on national stories.

“Your local media is always on the lookout for stories that are interesting,” the FBAA’s advice stated.

While encouraging members to be active on social media, it said that “with Twitter, size doesn’t matter”, making the point that, “It’s not how many you follow, but who you follow and why”.

The tips were written by the FBAA’s media consultant and principal of Mercer PR, Lyall Mercer, who explains that the new media world presents more opportunities for business owners.

“When a broker is viewed as an expert and provides information and advice that will benefit others, profile is built and business is generated,” he said.

“These tips can assist brokers to share their expertise and build their reputation and brand.”

The ‘5 PR tips to market your brokerage for free in 2014’ are:

Build a relationship with your local media

Monitor what FBAA is doing publicly and create a local angle

Twitter – Be strategic and give followers news they won’t get from other sources

Facebook – This is more consumer based, so give people a reason to share your posts